The 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival: Courage to Fly

The skies above Cape Town will soon be ablaze with colour as the 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival returns with a new theme: #CourageToFly.

Hosted by Cape Mental Health, this much-loved annual event combines family fun with a powerful message of resilience, mental health awareness, and community unity.

A Festival with Purpose

Since 1994, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has been more than just a visual spectacle. Organised by Cape Mental Health, it raises awareness and funds to provide free mental health services to vulnerable communities across the Western Cape.

This year’s theme, Courage to Fly, celebrates the bravery it takes to face life’s challenges and overcome the stigma attached to mental health. In South Africa, where 16.5% of the population lives with a mental disorder, events like these shine a spotlight on the importance of compassion and support.

“Like a kite soaring against strong winds, people living with mental health conditions inspire us all to hold on, rise above, and find strength to persevere,” says Professor Dr Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health.

What to Expect in 2025

For the first time since the pandemic, the festival returns to a full two-day format:

• Dates: 25–26 October 2025
• Venue: Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery
• Tickets: Quicket (early bird discount closes 16 September)

Festival highlights include:

• Dazzling kite displays from local and international participants.
• Hands-on kite-making workshops for children and adults.
• Family-friendly entertainment, food vendors, and an amusement park.
• Inclusive events like the EduKite school competition and Heideveld Community Fly.

The new venue offers even more space for families to enjoy safe, open-air activities while watching the skies come alive with creativity and colour.

A Message of Hope

For many, the Kite Festival is more than a day out – it’s a reminder that healing, resilience, and joy are possible. Communities gather not only to celebrate but also to break down barriers around mental health conversations.

“There is great excitement in the buildup to this year’s festival,” says Professor Daniels. “People remember the joy and colour of our earlier festivals in Muizenberg. This year, we are thrilled to say – we’re back.”

How You Can Support

If you can’t attend in person, you can still contribute. Cape Mental Health has partnered with BackaBuddy to allow supporters to sponsor the cause from anywhere.

Funds raised will directly support the organisation’s free mental health services, ensuring that the festival’s impact reaches far beyond the October skies.

Event Details at a Glance

• What: The 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival
• When: 25–26 October 2025
• Where: Youngsfield Military Base, Ottery
• Why: Raising awareness and funds for mental health services
• Tickets: Buy on Quicket
• Donate: Via BackaBuddy